A solar term is a period of about two weeks, based on the sun’s position in the zodiac. Solar terms form the traditional Chinese calendar system. The calendar follows the ancient Chinese belief that living in accordance with nature will enable one to live a harmonious life. This article series explores each solar term, offering guidance on how to best navigate the season.
Solar Term: Dong Zhi–’The Extreme of Winter’
Dates: Dec. 22 to Jan. 5
This is a very special time of year and one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals.
If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, you will experience the shortest day and longest night of the year, also known as the winter solstice, during this solar term. The winter solstice occurs when the Earth’s poles reach their maximum tilt away from the sun. Winter solstices happen twice a year, once in each hemisphere at opposite times of the year (as winter and summer are inversed in the Northern and Southern hemispheres). The winter solstice signifies the beginning of longer days and shorter nights—a move into summer….